1. As the 40th Miss Nigeria, how would you describe the transition from pageantry to interior design?
At first glance, pageantry and interior design may seem like completely different worlds, but for me, they are connected by one common purpose: creating meaningful experiences for people.
As Miss Nigeria, I had the privilege of representing my country, engaging with diverse communities, and understanding how environments shape how people live, connect, and thrive. That experience taught me empathy, cultural awareness, and the importance of intentional storytelling.
Interior design became a natural extension of that passion. Instead of using a stage to inspire people, I now use thoughtfully designed spaces to improve everyday life. Both careers have allowed me to serve people, just in different ways.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. Even as a child, I noticed how certain environments could instantly make me feel calm, energized, inspired, or welcomed.
That curiosity eventually evolved into a profession. After years in the public eye, I wanted to create something tangible and lasting, spaces that genuinely improve people’s quality of life.
I formally studied interior design at the Interior Design Institute in London before earning my Master’s degree in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the United States. Those experiences strengthened my belief that great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about solving problems and enhancing the human experience.
3. How did your experience as Miss Nigeria shape the person and professional you are today?
Being Miss Nigeria taught me that leadership is rooted in service.
The title gave me opportunities to engage with people from different backgrounds, advocate for meaningful causes, represent Nigeria internationally, and communicate with confidence under pressure.
Those experiences continue to influence my work as a designer. They taught me to listen before creating solutions, to embrace different perspectives, and to approach every project with empathy and professionalism.
Ultimately, Miss Nigeria shaped my character, while interior design gave me another platform to create meaningful impact.
4. How would you describe your design style in three words?
Intentional. Timeless. Human-centered.
Every design decision should have a purpose. I believe beautiful spaces should not only look exceptional but also support the people who use them. I strive to create interiors that feel timeless rather than trend-driven, with the human experience always at the center of every decision.
5. What trends in interior design are you excited about right now?
I’m particularly excited about the industry’s shift toward wellness-centered and evidence-based design.
People are becoming more intentional about creating homes and workplaces that support mental well-being, productivity, and overall health. We’re seeing greater emphasis on natural materials, biophilic design, improved lighting, sustainable solutions, and spaces that are both flexible and deeply personal.
I think the future of design is moving beyond creating beautiful rooms to creating environments that genuinely improve the way people live.
6. How much impact does interior design have on a property’s market value?
Interior design can have a significant impact on a property’s value because buyers aren’t just purchasing square footage; they’re investing in an experience.
Thoughtful space planning, quality finishes, cohesive aesthetics, functional layouts, and timeless design can make a property more desirable, often leading to quicker sales and stronger returns.
Beyond financial value, good design also improves how people experience a space every single day, and that’s something that cannot always be measured in numbers.
7. What has been your most memorable project so far?
Without a doubt, my master’s thesis at SCAD has been my most memorable project.
My research explored how interior environments can improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of Nigerian mothers living in the United States.
As a Nigerian woman who hopes to become a mother one day and is now living in the U.S., this topic was deeply personal to me. The idea actually grew from conversations with several of my friends who were beginning their journeys into motherhood. I noticed a striking difference between the experiences of those who gave birth in the United States and those who had their children back home in Nigeria. That curiosity led me to ask a bigger question: How can design help bridge that gap and create a more culturally responsive and emotionally supportive experience for Nigerian mothers?
My thesis became a research-driven exploration of how thoughtful interior design can influence not just clinical outcomes, but also comfort, dignity, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging during one of the most transformative moments in a woman’s life.
What made the project so meaningful was knowing that it had the potential to impact my own community, Nigerian women, and, by extension, African and Black women more broadly. It reminded me that design is far more than creating beautiful spaces; it is a powerful tool for improving people’s lives.
It’s a project that is incredibly close to my heart, and I hope to continue expanding that research and advocating for more culturally inclusive healthcare environments in the future.
8. What’s your dream home? What elements would it contain?
My dream home would be a sanctuary, warm, timeless, and deeply connected to nature. More than anything, I want it to feel like a place that restores you the moment you walk through the door.
Interestingly, my favorite room in any home is the bathroom. I absolutely love a good shower because it’s one of the few moments in the day when you’re completely by yourself. It’s a time to think, reset, and unwind. So my dream bathroom would feel like a luxury spa, with natural stone, warm textures, beautiful lighting, and elegant bronze or polished nickel fixtures. I would want every detail to contribute to a therapeutic experience.
The kitchen would be another centerpiece because, to me, it’s truly the heart of the home. I love entertaining, so I would have a beautiful show kitchen that’s open to the living and dining spaces where family and friends can gather.
But as a proud Nigerian woman who loves cooking traditional meals, pepper soup, ofe onugbu, okra soup, and all the dishes that remind me of home, I would also want a separate chef’s kitchen with professional-grade appliances and proper ventilation. That way, I can cook freely without every room in the house smelling like delicious Nigerian food, haha.
I’m also becoming quite passionate about gardening, so outdoor living would be an essential part of my home. I’d love a lush garden filled with flowers, fresh herbs, and vegetables that I can cook with, alongside a pool and calming water features. I strongly believe in biophilic design and the positive effect that nature has on our mental and emotional well-being, so creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors would be very important to me.
And then there’s one feature I always joke about, but I’m actually very serious! When I eventually get married, I want the principal bedroom to have two separate closets and two separate bathrooms. I genuinely think that’s one of the best investments you can make in a marriage. Everyone gets their own space, and I think it probably prevents a lot of unnecessary arguments.
So, my dream home isn’t really about extravagance. It’s about creating a home that supports wellness, celebrates family, embraces my Nigerian heritage, and gives everyone who walks in a sense of peace.
Final thoughts
“Whether I was representing Nigeria on the global stage or designing interiors today, my mission has remained the same: to create meaningful impact. As Miss Nigeria, I inspired people through service and representation. As an interior designer, I hope to improve lives by creating spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and deeply human. For me, it’s always about elevating the living experience.